TAAG Angola Airlines Expands Network, Welcomes New Airport in Luanda

TAAG Angola Airlines is embarking on a significant expansion, enhancing connections across Africa and solidifying its transatlantic presence. Amidst this development, the aviation landscape in Angola is poised for a monumental shift with the imminent inauguration of Luanda’s long-anticipated international airport.

Starting on Dec. 11, 2023, TAAG Angola Airlines is set to expand its services to Windhoek, Pointe-Noire, São Tomé, and Maputo from its bustling hub in Luanda.

Simultaneously, the airline is spreading its wings across the Atlantic, intensifying its link between Luanda and São Paulo, Brazil. With a commitment to providing greater mobility options, TAAG will now offer six weekly flights, transforming São Paulo and Luanda into pivotal hubs connecting Latin America, Africa, and Europe.

Regional Routes Take Center Stage

Namibia (Windhoek): Daily frequencies will provide passengers with enhanced flexibility and convenience, solidifying TAAG’s position as a reliable carrier in the region.

Republic of Congo (Pointe Noire) and Island of São Tomé: Both destinations will see increased frequencies every Monday and Friday.

Mozambique (Maputo): With a boost to five weekly frequencies, TAAG ensures more options for travelers throughout the week.

São Paulo Connection Takes Flight

Responding to the surging demand for transatlantic travel, TAAG Angola Airlines is expanding its flights between Luanda and São Paulo. Effective December 11, 2023, the airline will operate six weekly flights on a Boeing 777-300 aircraft, transforming São Paulo and Luanda into pivotal hubs connecting Latin America, Africa, and Europe. This expansion is bolstered by a codeshare agreement with GOL, providing passengers access to a broader network within Brazil and Latin America.

Luanda’s New International Hub

Luanda’s new airport is called António Agostinho Neto International Airport. (Photo: Launda Airport)

A crowning achievement for Angola, Luanda’s new airport is set to welcome its first passengers in early 2024, culminating a 27-year journey from inception to reality. Named after the country’s first president, Agostinho Neto, this monumental facility boasts a capacity of 15 million travelers annually.

Noteworthy features of the airport include two parallel runways — 4,200 meters for the northern runway and 3,800 meters for the southern runway, both 60 meters wide. The cargo business is also poised to thrive, with a capacity of 130,000 tons per year. The terminal spans 160,000 square meters with 94 check-in counters.

The journey to this new airport commenced in 1997. Construction began in 2008 and was supposed to be completed in just 26 months by 2014. The project, predominantly executed by Chinese workers, has faced several missed opening dates. Despite facing delays, financial challenges, and pauses, the airport’s inauguration on November 10 marks a significant leap forward for Angola’s aviation aspirations.

As the existing Quatro de Fevereiro Airport closes to scheduled traffic, the transition to the new facility by July 2024 will include all 13 airlines. The airport will continue to handle private and special flights. In addition, it could also be used by local and international companies for maintenance and training purposes in the future.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 at 10:56 a.m. ET to correct a misprint. 

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Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

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